Reflection Essays help you to better understand the material and reflect upon the information it presents. They are included in this course work to get you thinking about how the issues and information presented in the course might apply to a real-world scenario. Responses should be direct and to the point while still answering the questions posed. You should make direct reference to the course materials to back up all of your responses.
Because this submission is subject to Peer Review, do not include any personal identifiers on your submission unless you want your peers to know your identity
PART ONE
For this part of Reflection Essay One, consider the situation presented in your instructor's video
"Who Becomes a Drug Addict?" WARNING: ADULT CONTENT
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT FOR PART 1:
Sal: So, are you ready for the Calculus final?
Kimberly: I hope so. I was up all night studying. If I'm going to make valedictorian, I need to ace it.
Sal: Knowing you, I'm sure you'll get the high score.
Kimberly: Oh, if only I did. I'd get into Harvard for sure!
Kimberly: There's the bell. We'd better get a move on!
Sal: Don't worry. I'm sure you'll do great. You always do.
Kimberly: Wow! That exam was so easy! It's all coasting from now on! Harvard, here I come!
Sal: So, now that Harvard's in the bag, are you going to come with us to Fort Lauderdale for spring break?
Kimberly: No way! They can withdraw the offer if my grades slip. I can't let up until after graduation.
Sal: I can't believe it’s already finals week! It feels like we just had Spring Break. Speaking of which, have you decided if you're going to come with us to Acapulco after graduation?
Kimberly: I don't have time to think about that right now. I have to study. Ask me again after graduation.
Principal: Finally, congratulations to our class valedictorian, Kimberly Mason. Let's all give her a round of applause.
Sal: Okay Kim, we've graduated now. Are you coming with us to Acapulco?
Kimberly: You better believe it! Acapulco here we come!
Sal: This trip is going to be so much fun! I'm so glad you finally decided to come along. It'll be totally awesome!
Kimberly: That's right. For once, I'm going to get totally wild and party nonstop. It'll be two weeks of freedom, doing everything and, anyone, I want. with no worrying about consequences.
Kimberly: Wow, who knew they had free wine on resort flights? And the drinking age in Mexico is only 18! I need to get another glass.
Sal: Slow down. You've had three glasses already. You don't have to drink everything all in one go.
Kimberly: Screw that! I want to be completely hammered before we land. It'll be my first time, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Besides, it's free.
Sal: Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you.
Kimberly: This is awesome! I love it here! Let's go skinny-dipping!
Sal: No Kim! Don't take your clothes off!
Sal: Geez Kim. How many beers have you had?
Kimberly: This is my tenth one and I feel great!
Sal: You need to stop now, or you'll never catch the boat in time. We're supposed to go snorkeling in the morning, remember?
Kimberly: So, what if I don't? You guys can just go without me. There's plenty of things for me to do here. And lots of hot bodies to do them with.
Sal: You're not yourself. That's just the alcohol talking. Let's get you changed and into bed. You'll feel different in the morning when you're puking your guts out with a hangover.
Kimberly: Augh. My head hurts.
Kimberly: Yeah? Who is it?
Sal: How are you feeling this morning…or should I say this afternoon?
Kimberly: What time is it?
Sal: It's nearly one. We were going to grab some lunch and buy some bus tickets to Taxco for tomorrow. We'll be there all day. Wanna come?
Kimberly: No thanks. That's not my thing. What are you guys doing after lunch?
Sal: Paragliding, but in your condition, I don't think you'll be up for it.
Kimberly: Hell no. I need a shower anyway. What about afterwards? Wanna go out dancing?
Sal: Sorry, but we have to have an early night. The Taxco bus leaves at 7 in the morning. Why don't we meet up tomorrow night after we get back?
Kimberly: Sure. Whatever. Sounds good.
Sal: Okay. I'll see you then. Meanwhile, you go have your shower and I'll clean up these bottles for you before I go.
Kimberly: Thanks Sal. You're a real friend.
Kimberly: Just because they're all in bed doesn't mean I can't go have fun. I just need a place where I can get a martini and, hopefully, get laid too. Why not treat myself? After all, there's a first time for everything and I won't have time at Harvard.
Kimberly: And the eight ball to finish it off.
Kimberly: Told you I was good.
Renaldo: I'll bet you are. And not just at pool either.
Kimberly: You can count on it. Now, tell me your name, and I might just let you experience how good I am, firsthand.
Renaldo: Name's Renaldo. And, you really speak my language.
Kimberly: Nice to meet you Renaldo. I'm Kim. Buy me another drink?
Renaldo: I'll do you one better. Ever heard of the Club Diablo?
Kimberly: Yeah. It's only the hottest club in town. I wanted to go there, but the line was so long.
Renaldo: That's no problem for me sweetie. I'm in tight with the owner. We won't have to wait.
Kimberly: Great. Let's go. And if you play your cards right, you'll be in tight with me too. If, you know what I mean.
Renaldo: Hey Carlos. Having a good night?
Carlos: Can't complain. I assume you want to take your lady friend inside for a peek around?
Renaldo: You know me too well Carlos.
Carlos: Sure do. Go on in mate. And try not to hit the goods too hard, will ya?
Renaldo: Here we are, love.
Renaldo: What do you think?
Kimberly: It's absolutely amazing!
Renaldo: I knew you'd like it.
Renaldo: Come on. Let's sit down and get you another drink.
Renaldo: and that is how I ended up in Mexico.
Kimberly: Wow! You're such an interesting guy. I'm so glad we met. Thank you for bringing me here.
Renaldo: But you haven't touched your drink. Something wrong with it?
Kimberly: No. I'm just getting bored with alcohol. I want to try something different.
Renaldo: Ever had cocaine?
Kimberly: No. Isn't it illegal?
Renaldo: Not in Mexico. Personal use isn't a crime here.
Kimberly: Wow! I'd love to try it. Have you got any?
Renaldo: No, not on me. But I've got some Ecstasy. Will that do for now?
Kimberly: Sure. I'll try anything once.
Renaldo: Excellent. We really do speak the same language.
Renaldo: Here. Take your pick.
Kimberly: Awesome! I've always wanted to try getting high. Thanks.
Kimberly: Come on. Let's dance.
Kimberly: What a night! Those pills…and all that sex.
Kimberly: It was the best night of my entire life!
Kimberly: Renaldo? I'm ready for round four. Are you still here?
Kimberly: I guess not.
Kimberly: Well. I'd better go shower and clean up.
Kimberly: Who is it?
Renaldo: It's me. I hope I didn't wake you. I wanted to bring you a present.
Kimberly: You're so sweet! Thank you! What is it?
Renaldo: Cocaine. You said you wanted to try it. I hope that's alright.
Kimberly: It's absolutely perfect. You're wonderful.
Kimberly: Now come wash my back. Then we can have some cocaine and lots more sex. Sound good?
Renaldo: Baby, you really do speak my language.
Kimberly: That was exhilarating. I've never felt so good in all my life. I should move to Mexico. Then I can have you, and coke, all the time.
Renaldo: Do you really mean it? I've never felt this way about a girl before. I'd love for you to stay.
Kimberly: Maybe I will. But first we need to get you changed out of those dirty clothes. And see if you have any other naughty goodies for me.
Renaldo: I'm falling hard for you Kim. I think you're the one. Everything I have is yours. Just say the word.
Kimberly: Then let's hurry. I can't wait to see what else you have for me.
Renaldo: And this is my bedroom. Sorry it's a bit messy in here. But please, make yourself at home.
Kimberly: Thanks. I will. You sure have a lot of different drugs. What are all of these?
Renaldo: Just some odds and ends. With everything being decriminalized now, I like to be well-stocked.
Kimberly: I see. So, what's the syringe for?
Renaldo: Heroin, ketamine and a couple of others. Though, with heroin, you don't need to mess with the needle. You can snort it now.
Kimberly: Can I try it? Snorting heroin. I mean I want to know what it's like.
Renaldo: Do you really want to mess around with that stuff? It's very addictive. Even I don't do it except on very special occasions.
Kimberly: This is a special occasion. It's our first whole day together. Besides, I can handle it. Come on. Let's snort it together then screw all afternoon. What do you say?
Renaldo: I say you're irresistible. Of course. Anything you want.
Renaldo: You are absolutely fantastic in bed. Has anyone ever told you that?
Kimberly: No. You're my first lover.
Renaldo: Ever? Amazing! Well. I'd better go shower. Wannajoin me?
Kimberly: No thank you. I need to sleep. But first I've got to text my friends and let them know not to wait for me.
Renaldo: Suit yourself, but feel free to come in, if you change your mind.
Kimberly: Okay.
Kimberly: Now where did I put my purse and phone?
Kimberly: Ah. There it is.
Kimberly: Sal. Met someone. Lost my virginity, finally! Won't meet you tonight. With him. See you maybe the day after tomorrow? Send.
Sal: That was fast. Kim. You don't waste any time, do you? Hope it was good. Can't meet then. Going to Tepoztlan and Mexico City for a few days. Catch up on Sunday?
Kimberly: Sal. Sounds good. See you then. Send.
Kimberly: Ugh. My head hurts. That heroin was so good. A little more will take the edge off. Renaldo won't mind if I stash some for later too.
Kimberly: Better hurry. He'll be back soon.
Kimberly: Can you believe that we've only been together a week? Seems like we've known each other forever.
Renaldo: It's great, isn't it? How many kids do you think we'll have?
Kimberly: What did you just say?
Renaldo: I said, How many kids do you think we'll have? Don't like that question? How about this one? Wanna go shopping for engagement rings?
Kimberly: I think you're rushing things. Let's focus on what we want to do tonight, okay?
Kimberly: Come on. I'll race you to the bench. Winner gets to choose.
Renaldo: You're on cheater. That head start won't help you!
Renaldo: So, it was a tie. That means we compromise. How about we look at engagement rings first, then it's your choice. What do you want to do after?
Kimberly: Honestly, I just want to relax and have fun. How about we do some heroin again? I really like how it makes me feel.
Renaldo: That's not a good idea. I told you heroin is very addictive. I wasn't joking. Besides, meeting you has made me realize that I'm not into drugs anymore. I want to settle down and stop using altogether.
Kimberly: But that isn't what I want. I love getting high on heroin. I don't want to give it up. I want us to do it together, not just on my own.
Renaldo: Wait a minute. Have you been doing it without me?
Kimberly: Um. I have. Yes. I took some for myself when you were in the shower after we had it the first time.
Renaldo: Good lord Kim! How much? Have you been taking it all week!
Kimberly: Yes. But only a few times a day. I didn't think you'd mind. You have more than enough to last both of us a year, right?
Renaldo: That's not the point Kim! I don't give a sod about the heroin! I care about you! You can't use that much and not become addicted! How could you be so stupid?
Kimberly: I'm not addicted. And I'm not stupid. I can handle it. Look, I'm sorry I took it from you without asking, but I honestly thought you wouldn't mind.
Renaldo: Oh really! And staying in to get high wasn't your way of taking just a little bit more to last you another week? That sure sounds like you're an addict to me! Your little stash is gone now. Isn’t it?
Kimberly: Yes. I used the last of it before we came here.
Renaldo: Then here's what we're gonna do. You're going back to your hotel and spend the night there. Alone! Meanwhile, I'm going to flush all my stash down the toilet. That way you can't use any more.
Kimberly: But what then?
Renaldo: By morning, we'll know if you're addicted. Then we can figure out what to do. Together. In the meantime, I need to go for a walk. Alone. I'll see you for breakfast in the morning.
Kimberly: Oh. I feel terrible. And I miss Renaldo. Doesn't he love me anymore?
Kimberly: Of course he does. He said he'd see me in the morning. All I have to do is show him I'm not an addict.
Kimberly: That shouldn't be too hard. I just need to get a shower and have a good night’s sleep. Everything will be fine in the morning.
Kimberly: What’s happening?
Kimberly: I'm freezing and sweating at the same time.
Kimberly: Oh. And my head.
Kimberly: This has to be withdrawal!
Kimberly: Renaldo was right! I am an addict!
Then, write a short paragraph answering the following questions about it:
How does Kim's slide into substance abuse compare with the various explanations of substance abuse articulated in the course materials?
Is Kim a recreational or habitual substance abuser? Justify your choice.
Given Kim’s use of drugs and alcohol, would you consider her and Renaldo’s sexual activity consensual or rape? Explain your rationale.
PART TWO
For this part of Reflection Essay One, integrate what you have learned from the readings and course materials thus far into an essay that addresses each of the following questions and explains your responses in detail:
What is it about illicit substances that entraps people from every walk of life despite the clear toll it takes on their lives? Why do such diverse groups of people get hooked on drugs?
Consider how most illicit drugs went from being perfectly legal to illegal in a matter of decades. What do you see as the impetus behind this?
Consider the operation of most illicit drugs. What do they have in common? What does this mean for users and their likelihood of becoming addicts? Is it possible to just be a recreational user of hard drugs like Meth, Crack or Heroin?
Consider how much money there is to be made in the illicit drug trade and contrast it with the amount of funding that can be given to law enforcement, treatment and educational programs for combating drug use and addiction. Is there any hope of winning a war on drugs?
Consider the relationship between the legitimate drug industry, the illicit drug trade and the nation’s drug abuse problem. How have they mutually contributed to one another? Which factor is most problematic?
Consider the relationship between drugs and crime. Everyone knows that there is a correlation but which comes first?
Sample Solution